Chinese President Xi Jinping puts forward a four-point proposal on the development of a new model of major-country relations between China and the U.S. in a speech at a welcome banquet jointly hosted by Washington State government and friendly communities in Seattle, on Sept. 22, 2015.

No. 1 China and the United States should read each other's strategic intentions correctly.

With deepening reform and opening-up, China has seen significant development in its economy and society and has become the world’s second largest economy. The U.S., however, has been concerned about China’s rapid development. It is necessary for both parties to boost mutual trust.

No. 2 Both sides should further advance areas of win-win cooperation.

There is huge potential for bilateral cooperation. China and the U.S. should speed up negotiations to reach bilateral investment treaty so as to expand market access. The two countries have begun to conduct more cooperation in energy, environmental cooperation and infrastructure construction. They should take news steps to promote cooperation in peacekeeping based on joint military exercises.

No.3 They should manage their differences properly and effectively in order to find more common ground.

There is no need for either to fear the differences between the two countries. It is the right time for them to develop their bilateral relations. They should manage the differences and follow the right way to build a new model of major-country relationship between China and the U.S.

No. 4 They should boost people-to-people exchanges.

The cooperation between China and the U.S. is beneficial to the entire Asia-Pacific region and even the world, and the fruits of the cooperation should be shared by the people of both countries. The long-term cooperation between the two countries is based on public support. Therefore, boosting public support for bilateral relations is necessary for building a new model of major-country relationship between them. It is believed that Xi’s visit can boost people-to-people exchanges and consolidate bilateral relations. 

This article was edited and translated from 《中美关系：站上新起点 做好四件事》, source: People's Daily Overseas Edition. The author is Shen Dingli, a professor and associate dean at the Institute of International Studies of Shanghai-based Fudan University.